Understanding exercise (in)tolerance in sickle cell disease: impacts of hemolysis and exercise training on skeletal muscle oxygen delivery

Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by central (cardiac) and peripheral vascular dysfunctions, significantly diminishing exercise capacity and quality of life. While central cardiopulmonary abnormalities in SCD are known to reduce exercise capacity and quality of life; the impact of hemolysis and subsequent cell-free hemoglobin (Hb)-mediated peripheral vascular abnormalities on those outcomes are not fully understood. Despite the recognized benefits of exercise training for cardiovascular health and clinical management in chronic diseases like heart failure, there remains substantial debate on the advisability of regular physical activity for SCD patients. This is primarily due to concerns that prolonged and/or high-intensity exercise might trigger metabolic shifts leading to vaso-occlusive crises. As a result, exercise recommendations for SCD patients are often vague or nonexistent, reflecting a gap in knowledge about the mechanisms of exercise intolerance and the impact of exercise training on SCD-related health issues. This mini-review sheds light on recent developments in understanding how SCD affects exercise tolerance, with a special focus on the roles of hemolysis and the release of cell-free hemoglobin in altering cardiovascular and skeletal muscle function. Also highlighted here is the emerging research on the therapeutic effects and safety of exercise training in SCD patients. Additionally, the review identifies future research opportunities to fill existing gaps in our understanding of exercise (in)tolerance in SCD.